On 21 April, an armed attack was carried out near the building of the Shymkent city administration on the deputy mayor of the city Ruslan Berdenov. As a result of the shooting, he sustained a gunshot wound and was hospitalised. This information was confirmed by the Shymkent police department.
According to Informburo.kz citing the authorities, the suspect was detained and placed in a temporary detention facility. A criminal case has been opened into the incident. An investigation is underway.
"Near the building of the Shymkent city administration, there was an incident involving the use of a firearm. As a result of the incident, a city administration employee was injured and hospitalised. He is receiving all necessary medical care," the statement said.
It has become known that Berdenov underwent surgery. Initially, the victim's condition was assessed as critical. After the operation, which lasted more than four hours, his condition stabilised. According to doctors, there is no threat to life.
"Penetrating gunshot pellet wound to the right side of the chest with multiple injuries to the lower lobe of the right lung, intercostal arteries and diaphragm; right-sided haemopneumothorax," the doctor's report stated.
The patient was also diagnosed with multiple penetrating abdominal wounds with liver damage, internal bleeding, multiple pellet wounds to the right kidney, shoulder and forearm, and external bleeding. Pleuropulmonary and haemorrhagic shock was recorded.
Berdenov's condition is currently assessed as stable but serious. He is under constant medical supervision and receiving all necessary medical care.
Ruslan Berdenov was appointed deputy mayor of Shymkent in February 2025. Prior to this, he held the position of deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament.